Portland's (non) Fashion

Can a picture tell a story?  YES.  #KeepPortlandPretty 

I was just as shocked as you when I googled Portland Fashion and Portland Fashion Week popped up. Let's just sit on that for awhile.....   

(Maybe Crocs sponsors the week?)   

Among the many things I miss about NYC....the fashion is what I seem to be craving lately. Now don't get me wrong, I love a plaid and sport moment....but at times you want to wear a heel, a red lip and a fresh blowout.  It's like you have landed from Mars....  I long for those days/nights of people watching to be inspired for my next outfit.  GOD the style in New York is so good.  Girls just get it and so do Men.  I will admit...I'm drawn to the men's fashion here more so then the women.  I can count on one hand the amount of women I have seen that have good style and the majority of those women are at work. 

For those of you that haven't made the trip out to Portland, let me walk you through the fashion here (or lack there of). Let's break this down:

Function vs Fashion: 

Portlanders have the function part figured out.  I have seen more Birkenstocks with socks, Crocs and Clogs then one can see in a lifetime.  It hurts my eyes.  Their staple coat always has a hood. Again....let's think about that.  Everyone has choices and they choose to go for the coat with a hood because functionally it makes sense.  It always rains here.  BUT there are things like umbrellas....one could choose to be fashionable AND bring an umbrella. Who would have thought? 

Exhibit A

New Yorkers are all about the fashion.  OV.  I've seen woman walking up and down the subway stairs in Louboutins like they are slippers.  Whether it's raining or -10 degrees, you will always find fashionably dressed people killing it.  Fashion week in the middle of winter is exceptional.  No one complains or shows weakness from the weather.  Now granted...multiple people have drivers....but these are all details. 

Weird vs Eclectic: 

I believe that Portlanders may think they are being stylish, but its just plain weird. Put a bird on it.  I find myself constantly saying "Huh...didn't realize that worked together" OR "Really?".  

There were numerous times I would walk down the streets of New York and wish I could pull off what some women can.  I'm just not that cool.  Some were friends of mine.  The confidence that these women have to put outfits together is admirable. 

Frumpy vs Chic: 

Now there may be some Portlanders that believe that frumpy is stylish because that seems to be the overall style of choice. I just have to question their thoughts as they are looking in the mirror in the AM... "I could be frumpier, lets put on another layer".  One could also ask...Is it even considered "style"? 

Portland Librarian?

Being a New Yorker you walk A LOT, so you have to take that into consideration as you plan out your outfits.  I was constantly struggling with comfort and fashion.  The ladies of Manhattan have this mastered. 

With all of the above said; Style is determined by the individual.  I just so happen to believe that there is no style here, but you may talk to someone else that believes there is. You can imagine who wins here from my perspective between Portlanders and New Yorkers...

Point for New York.  

After (Main Room)

My little home in Portland is coming together.  I wanted to share the first room that is almost done!  Minor things left to do, but my Mom keeps asking me to "send pictures" so she can see everything. (Even though we FaceTime daily and I can't make any decision without her. I think my Dad is over it) 

Since I know nothing about interior decorating and this was my first time taking a stab at it...no judgment.  I tried to stick to my Pinterest posts and stay focused....but LET ME TELL YOU...this stuff is hard.  I spent the majority of my weekends at Ikea, Target and Home Goods.  I'm super popular and have a ton of friends. (sarcasm)  I actually do have friends. Don't worry Mom.

For those who are interested in where I purchased things; I have listed them below.

• WEST ELM: Couch, coffee table, bar cart, floor lamp, marble side table, fur pillow, table lamp. 
• ONE KINGS LANE: Leather chairs.
• IKEA: TV stand/shelving unit, wall shelves, sisal rug, cowhide, succulents, frames. 
• HOME GOODS: Wood side table, knick knacks.
• The poufs I got in Morocco...deeply discounted...thanks to my little bro 'the negotiator'

Rooms left to show; Bedroom, Kitchen, Office area, Guest Bedroom, Bathroom, and Entryway.

Looking forward to sharing the rest of my home!  

Going Dark

I recently decided that I will be going off the grid in the dating app world.  It's time for a little time out.  Momma is exhausted.  Now don't get me wrong, I support.  I should be the spokesperson for these apps.  In fact, I have forced multiple friends to go on them and they have found husbands.  (W_T_F)  

There are a few reasons why I came to this decision. What I found interesting was that the same reasons why I loved the apps ended up causing me to question why I'm on them.  

PROS

Build a Man:  The world is your oyster.  You can choose; hair color, eye color, facial hair (ALWAYS swipe right to beards), height (NO ONE below 6ft), style (this can be influenced/changed) and occupation (no gold diggers). 

Multiple Dates: You can swipe while watching Sunday morning and have a date by 60 minutes.  I honestly can't remember my dating life before the apps, but I know I didn't have that good of a batting record.  My new years resolution last year was to go on a date a week.  I lasted till April. It was exhausting. There was one point when I was swiping so much that my thumb started to hurt. TRUE STORY.  High point in life.  

Pick and Choose: With multiple chats going at once, you can not like the smallest thing about someone and know that there is another cutie wanting to go out with you. (ego boost? YES borderline addictive? YES) If you ever want a little pick me up, just swipe right. 

CONS

Build a Man: No-one is perfect.  Even though esthetically he can be pleasing, he will most likely be a wet blanket. Isn't that just life?  It brings out the superficialness in all of us. One of my friend's husbands once asked me after my last breakup..."Maybe you should try going out with someone that isn't as good looking as you tend to date?". What if he's right?  What if I place too much value on looks and miss what's important. 

Multiple Dates: I always have had fun dating...especially in NYC.  What was a real wake up call for me last year was that I was struggling at work and was craving that partnership of talking about my day with someone.  I realized the hard way that I could text about 5 guys and get attention, but not one single guy was that invested in me to ask about my day. (violin playing) Easy way to get attention, but not what we are all really looking for. 

Pick and Choose: With the ease of one swipe, you are never really able to focus on one person.  9 times out of 10 first impressions tend to be wrong.  What if you only gave a guy one date?  I, unfortunately, have done that.  What if I missed my husband because I was too interested in the next swipe?  

Now I'm not saying I'm giving up on them forever. Let's make that clear. I just need to regroup and kick it old school. I'm in a new place, so I have many people left to meet. Going to get a dog because that's what Oregonians do and they are an added bonus. It's like carrying around a baby as a man.  Insta guy magnet...the dog, not the baby...let's not get those confused.  Not pulling the goalie yet. I'm looking at it like a science project.  Let's see if I can meet people the old fashion way...by actually getting to know the person first rather than their looks. 

Wish me luck!

Heart Openers in Bali

I recently traveled to Bali in between jobs to help reset and zen the F out.  What I wasn't prepared for was what I left with.  Bali is one of the most magical places I have traveled to and it was my first "big trip" alone.  I was there for 2 weeks and could have stayed for 2 months...easily.  

There are multiple reasons to why people travel to Bali; Honeymoon, Yoga, Diving, Surfing, Partying, etc.  What you need to consider and must experience is the Culture.  Bali is an island within Indonesia and is primarily Hinduism. There are temples EVERYWHERE.  The Balinese have family temples, so each family has it's own temple within their home.  Could you imagine that? Having to pass through a church EVERY day on your way to work.  The guilt of not praying?? "NAH...not today god...I'm good."  I mean. NO THANK YOU. I have enough Catholic guilt.  

I happen to be there during one of their high holidays Galungan, which is the celebration between good and evil.  There are processions, decorations that line the streets (which is part of their offerings to the gods), dances and feasts.  Women and Men wear traditional clothes, which quite frankly I wanted to buy at the end of my trip. The offerings are a daily occurrence even when outside of the high holidays.  Typically they are outside of every store or home as you are walking around.  I found them to be the most interesting because its a daily ritual and a constant reminder to give thanks/gratitude for what you have. Namaste. 

I could honestly talk about Bali and my experience for days, but below is my itinerary and my suggested areas to visit, places to stay and things to do.

Canggu: A sleepy yoga and surfing community in the southwest that is just starting to become a destination within Bali.  It was a great starting point for me. A short cab ride away from the bustling town of Seminyak, where you will trip over a drunk Aussie at every corner.  (how are they everywhere?) Where to Stay: Desa Seni http://www.desaseni.com/  This is a MUST.  As soon as you walk onto the grounds you are instantly zen.  Daily yoga classes are offered to guests free of charge and the public for a fee.  You instantly feel like you are part of a community. Each night they leave a note on your bed that holds a quote. My favorite was from Ralph Waldo Emerson; "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be".  Hippie/Yogi Sh*t.  Love it. What to Do: Massage at Desa Seni Spa. Shopping in Seminyak (only a short cab ride away). Eat at Sardine, Mamasan, Motel Mexicola, and Bazaar. Drinks at Potato Head Beach Club. If you want to see Lady Boys...Bali Joes is your place. Quite interesting. 

Pool at Desa Seni

Path to the Spa at Desa Seni

Sunsets at Potato Head Beach Club

Ubud: Bali's heart center. I spent the majority of my trip here.  Eat, Pray, Love.  I found it incredible how this movie has impacted a community and country. Every local that I spoke to brought it up.  Now, whether they were doing that because I was American or that the movie has that much of an impact that it needs to be talked about....I will never know. I'd like to think it's the former.  Julia Roberts can't have that much of a pull...  Although, I must admit...I own the movie. The majority of the "Love" portion was filmed in Ubud (as well as Uluwatu).  After watching the movie and being there; I think they left out the most important part of Bali, which is their culture. (Gotta love Hollywood)  Where to Stay: Uma by Como; http://www.comohotels.com/umaubud/ Enough said.  You will never want to leave.  I basically didn't.  What to Do: Walk thru a rice field. Go to a Balinese healer (you can legit go to Ketut). Visit the Monkey Forest. (do not wear anything shiny or carry around food, unless you want to risk your life...kidding...kind of)  Be a tourist and see the famous temples. Drink the coffee made from poop.  (Google it.  It's real)  Yoga Barn for some daily OMs. 

Personal Pool at Uma by COMO

Morning rice field walks

Channeling Rose and more rice fields

Monkey Forest (Iphone photo...not zoomed...that close)

Tampak Siring; Cleansing Ritual

Uluwatu: My favorite. The southern most tip of Bali.  I highly recommend. If you are into hot surfer men, then you have come to your Mecca. After spending the majority of my trip on my own, this was a welcomed portion of my adventure.  Yes, please.  The word that comes to mind when trying to describe this magical place is BREATHTAKING.  It's stretched out over cliffs that seem like you could just fall into the crystal clear blue ocean.  There are hidden beaches everywhere. At times it feels like your own private beach. Explore all of them.  Where to Stay: Hidden Hills Villas; http://www.hiddenhillsvillas.com/ Great for couples, for it's a little secluded.  I felt like a queen having my own villa and they treat you like one as well.  I would also check out Uluwatu Surf Villas; http://uluwatusurfvillas.com/.  What to Do: So we have already established hot surfers. (pun intended) Multiple beaches to check out; Uluwatu Beach, Padang Padang and Finn's beach club.  Make sure to have some beverages at Single Finn after your day at Uluwatu Beach. See the sunset and have a drink at Rock Bar (little touristy).  Watch a Balinese Dance at the Uluwatu Temple. Eat at the Four Seasons. If you are looking for some extremely fresh fish, eat on Padang Padang beach at dusk where the local fisherman sell and cook.  

My little Villa at Hidden Hills Villas: Santorini

Hidden Beaches at Uluwatu Beach

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Beach from Single FInn

I would like to think that this is the first of many trips to Bali.  The only way you can truly understand the impact it can have is to go and experience it.  You will not be disappointed. 

Namaste

Commuting

Starting my career in NYC I always dreamed of commuting out in the "real world". Fresh coffee in the console, choice of news/live radio stations, moments of solitude as you drive to work and get ready for your day....  

WELP.  I was 30% right.  

I still don't have time to make coffee in the morning as I am typically running out the door hoping I remembered to apply mascara.  (the outfits have certainly changed from my previous employer) Moments of solitude? Yes. Although fleeting with the constant battle on the road as Oregonians are by far the worst drivers.  

My most favorite part of commuting on the road is the music. I forgot how much I love the 80's.  I mean.  Who doesn't love the 80's?!  Don't You by Simple Minds came on the other morning and you would have thought I was at a Karoeke bar and winning.  (Do you win at Karoeke?  Is that the right terminology?)  Brought me back to the Breakfast Club and the last scene of Pitch Perfect....you know the scene I'm talking about (don't pretend like you never saw Pitch Perfect). If my shoulder wasn't still "out of order" I would be holding my fist high...."I say: LA, LA, LA, LA...".  

I also have re-engaged with one of my favorites from High School as an homage to Phife Dawg (RIP). I hope everyone has been listening to Tribe the last few weeks and enjoying it as much as I have. I honestly don't know what else I listened to between the ages of 15 and 18. Just picture an awkward Irish catholic white girl rapping in her room to the cassette player.  I can only imagine what my parents thought...."Does she know who she is?"  I do have to give a shout out to my HS BF because he was the one that introduced me to Tribe and set me up to win brownie points the first weekend of my freshman year in college. Knowing every word to the Midnight Marauders album gave me mad props (yes, I'm old) at the boys soccer after party (don't judge...I was being a good wing woman...wink wink...ear muffs Mom).  

Even though any type of commuting can be a challenge; i would have to say that driving is my favorite way thus far.  Blaring my music and singing aloud cannot be done on the subway.  Unless you are a street performer...

Can I kick it? (Yes, YOU CAN!)

Point for Portland.

Creating Your Space (Before)

When moving to a new city or into a new apt, it's a great time to purge and re-think your decor. Since I moved across country, I took the opportunity to start over with my apt.  (Let's be honest...I lived in a 400 sq ft apt for 6 years...I didn't have much) Below is my approach and some tips on revamping your apt life.  

BEFORE

Create an inspiration board: Pinterest is your friend. (I'm sure the majority of you already know this) I could "pin" for hours on end, which I actually accomplished. Yes, I have a life.  Make sure you are sticking to similar color themes and textures, so it's easy to focus when picking out furniture. Below are just a few examples of what I chose.   

Focus on big items first: Couch, accent chairs, media center and coffee table.  Once those pieces are chosen the details seem to fall into place.  I started cutting and pasting pieces to see how everything would sit together.  It's important to reference your inspiration boards while shopping.  It's extremely easy to loose focus, so the boards keep you on track! 

Mix and Match:  I have a bit of an eclectic taste, so I like to shop all over.  I stuck to sites like West Elm, One Kings Lane, Overstock, CB2 and Target.  And don't be afraid of IKEA.  It's easy to make pieces look expensive once they have been mixed in.  

I can't wait to show my AFTER pics!  The space is coming along, but will take some time.

Stay tuned.   

Drivers Ed

Either I have always been a horrible driver or Portland has made me into one.  Stop signs and cross walks are optional, right?  This became apparent when I picked up my parents at the airport and was one turn away from home when my mom said from the back seat..."Um sweetie, I think there is a cop behind you".  Yup, sure enough there was.  Dad in the front seat and me looking like a deer in headlights.  I politely asked what I did and the nice man said I ran a red light.  WHOOPS.  Mid 30's getting pulled over with your parents in the car. Check.     

Now one would think that since I have been pulled over before I would know what to do next. Nope. I had no clue where my registration was OR what it looked like.  Point for me.  As my Dad is scrambling to help, I awkwardly start conversing with the policeman thinking he wouldn't chat back.  I was wrong.  Everyone in Portland talks...even the cops.  I explained that I recently moved to Portland and had just picked up my parents at the airport...while handing him my New York license (that I have to change...ergh). I can only imagine what this guy was thinking at this point. Upon his return, he hands back my license and tells me to watch where I'm going next time. As the window is still open, Mom yells from the back seat...."good thing you are cute." Thanks Mom.  SO this is my Friday night.

It is LITERALLY night and day when comparing PDX vs NYC drivers.  I have found myself having road rage amongst the Subarus every morning on my way to work.  Is this how life is outside of NYC?  I would like to think that it's just here...

New York Drivers: Horn always used, Fast lane is for racing, Stop signs are optional, Crosswalks are a crapshoot, Bike lanes are a suicide mission, and Always in a hurry.

Portland Drivers: Horn is never used, Fast lane is the slow lane (this is the most frustrating), Stop signs are mandatory (then it becomes a game of who goes first), Crosswalks are real (you must stop for everyone), Bike lanes are NOT to be driven in, and NO ONE is ever in a hurry.  

Welp, I guess I will forever be a New Yorker when it comes to driving. 

Beep, Beep.

It Happened

The day has finally come where I have left the magical city of New York for a better life out west. I basically had to throw myself in my Uber and had several mental breakdowns as I made my way to the airport on February 21st.  Was I making the right decision?  Did it make sense to leave my support and the comforts of New York that I had grown accustomed to?  A mani/pedi on every corner, food at all times of the day, a beautifully merchandised boutique in every section of the city??  My Uber driver spoke zero english, which was extremely awkward trying to explain the tears but then comforting because I could just cry and not have to speak.  It's like that first cry on the subway when no one asks what's wrong and it's just you and 40 people pretending not to look at you while not caring enough to ask.... (Ahh New York)  As I approached the gate with swollen eyes, I instantly felt like Dorothy as I looked around at the people getting on the plane. Momma wasn't in Kansas anymore.  BUCKLE UP.  

I have now been in Portland for an official two weeks.  HOLY S.  In this very short time, I have managed to come up with my initial thoughts on Portland and Oregonians (who are the nicest people on earth).  **Please note; I'm new and have lived in manhattan for 12 years.  

Environmentalists. Let's go back to the airplane....I should have received the memo that (A) you wear backpacks in Portland and (B) you carry a canteen or some sort of "green" water bottle. I had never seen anything like it...they were asking the flight attendants (is that the politically correct name these days??) to fill their water bottles instead of accepting the mini size glass of water we get on planes.  I'm the idiot that buys a huge water bottle every flight because I feel like I got out of the sahara desert every time I land.  They definitely looked more refreshed when we landed and weren't struggling with all their carry-ons like myself.  Point for the Oregonians.

Friendliness. You know you are a New Yorker when you find it shocking that someone asks how your day is. AND is genuine.  Everywhere.  It's actually uncomfortable.  Is that bad?  I've managed to have multiple awkward conversations every day with absolute strangers.  It's going on 10 days. I always thought I was a nice person, but sometimes I just don't want to speak to people.  Was I like that before New York?  Or did New York make me that way?  I mean.  I would hide from people on the streets of New York or walk to another car on the subway if I saw someone I knew. Does everyone else do this?  Sometimes you just want to zone out and listen to music during your commute....no small talk before 8am or coffee. That universal sign of; I have ear plugs in please leave me alone. It's so easy to get lost and be left alone in New York.  Unsure how I feel about this one.  I'm going to have to give a point to New Yorkers because sometimes I just want to be left alone.

Weather.  Let's make this one CRYSTAL CLEAR.  It rains here.  A lot.  Don't let them fool you by saying New York get's more rainfall in inches/year. (What does that even mean?) It has rained everyday since I have been here.  Albeit, when the sun comes out it's pretty magical and everyone starts talking about how great the summers are here.  Um...we'll see.  New York summers are pretty incredible.  Point for New Yorkers. 

Homeless.  There are a ton of homeless people in Portland.  This surprised me.  You actually have to ask apartment buildings if they hire people to police the area because you don't want to walk outside your door into someone's home (i.e. tent).  I have also seen multiple "homeless" charging their iphone. (??)  I'll leave you with that.  Neither Portland or New York gets a point here.  

Fashion.  I'm sure this will be a main topic in the future, but wanted to share first observations. There are two types of people in Portland; People who wear beanies and people who wear rain jackets.  Hopefully that is a good point of reference on when I start talking about fashion. I have yet to see a Patagonia paired with a beanie, but I'm sure they exist.  We do live in the outdoor capital of the United States.  There is a beard on every corner, which just makes me so happy. Bearded Beanie or Rain Jacket...I'll take it.  Point for the Oregonians. 

There are so many more thoughts as I begin my west coast life, but wanted to get out a few and get this blog going!

Light Packing

There are two types of people in this world.  People who pack light and people who bring their whole wardrobe for a weekend trip.  My mother happens to be the latter. She has been my current challenge on how to create a light packer.  I have not been successful, but I'm hopeful with the tips below I can help you.

Choose a bag with compartments

This is the first step in your process of overcoming heavy packing.  Go out and buy a new travel bag.  Treat YO self.  I have found that it allows you to organize much easier when there are places for your things.  Now if you are a duffle bag person, which I know I am, there are amazing organizers out there that you can still keep everything neat.

Choose a theme

I have the most fun with this step.  It's an easy way to keep yourself in check when you find the need to want to bring everything.  If it doesn't fit into your theme, leave it at home. For example; an easy theme to get the point across is "Summer Whites". If this were my theme I would focus on linen pants/shirts, lace tops, subtle stripe knit tops/tanks, gauze coverups, white jean shorts, open weave sweaters for an added layer, etc.  When picking a color theme, you want to make sure you have texture in the assortment (now I sound like a merchandiser) for it's easy to get extremely flat and your outfits lack interest.  

Choose 3 pairs of shoes

This could be the hardest step.  There are always reasons to bring more footwear, but I have found that if you can narrow it down to 3 pairs you typically do not need anything more.  Whether you are going to a beach or a city follow these simple rules when choosing footwear; #1 COMFORTABLE SHOE. Whether it be a sneaker or a leisure sneaker. #2 FLAT.  Whether it be a sandal, flip flop, boot or ballet flat. #3 HEEL. Depending on who you are this could mean a hooker heel or a kitten heel. I would choose a heel or a shoe that you could wear day to night.  More versatile.  Obviously neutrals are important for all 3 pairs of footwear, so they can go with everything.

Choose 1 beauty device

Typically there are hair dryers wherever you go, but if your hair dryer is the most important thing in your beauty routine then by all means bring it. If your straightener is the most important, then bring that.  You get the point.

Buy travel size

It has become easier and easier to find the products that you use at home in travel size. If by chance you can not find your product in said size, then buying the travel containers is a good move.

HAPPY PACKING!    

An App A Day

We now live in a world where it's completely acceptable to be managing multiple dating apps at your finger tips on a daily basis.  I FULLY support it.  I should be the spokesperson for Tinder or Bumble because I love a date and any reason to feel those butterflies before you walk in.  I'm basically the mayor of the app world...especially in NYC.

Here are some tips that I live by.

#1: Sign up for all of them.  Whether it be Tinda, Bumble, The League, Raya or the new one that is launching....DO IT.  Keep your options open and not be limited to just one.

#2:  Post a bikini pic. Men are pretty simple.  They like to see what's under the hood and there is no point in hiding.  Let's get straight to the point.  *REMINDER*  Guys like girls of all shapes and sizes.  We are not all built the same, so be confident and happy with what you got.  That will show through and it doesn't matter what size you are. 

#3:  Never swipe right to... ONE PIC WONDERS. If there is only one picture on their profile, that's suspect and keep moving on.  ONLY WEARING SUNGLASSES. I don't feel like I need to explain this one, for they are clearing hiding something. #fugly BATHROOM SELFIES. Srsly? Who goes for these guys?  CAT MEN. Now I may be partial here because I do not believe in a cat.  If a man is photographing himself with cats...things are just weird.

#4:  Always see if there is banter.  Even if you are post break up and desperate for a date, DO NOT go out with someone unless you have chatted with them for a bit on the app.  It doesn't have to be days, but at least see if having a drink with them will be worth your while.  (Disclaimer: there are some witty/intelligent men out there who can carry on conversations via text, but when you meet them offer nothing.  Just be aware of that.)

#5: Have fun.  Dating is fun.  Remember that.  You can meet a lot of interesting people on these apps.  It may not be marriage material, but you are putting the energy out there and living to tell the stories. 

 NOW GET OUT THERE

Peter Pans

Ladies, if a man is over 40 and has never been engaged or married.  RUN.  He has peter pan syndrome.  This is for whether you are in Manhattan or Portland.  (I guess more scarier if you are in Portland)  

Here is a little fun fact for you manhattanites; New York City's population is 53% female and 47% male.  Now when you break it down into neighborhoods it gets even more interesting... On the UES, single females outnumber single men 2 to 1, but in Queens it's almost the opposite.  Looks like those Upper East Siders need to be moving out to Queens.  

Now there are always exceptions to the rules, but let's live in reality and remember that no one can change anyone, timing is everything and let the peter pan be.  MOVE ON.

Top Websites For Accomodations

When planning your trip it’s important to have a list of “go to” sites to help you along the way. My goal is to always experience a little bit of culture, but get pampered at the same time.  I tend to have an expensive taste, but can’t always afford it.  These sites help me have the best of both worlds because this girl is no hostel girl.

Tip: Find Areas of Interest.  

I have found it the easiest when I land on areas (within the cities/countries) I want to visit during my holiday and then nail down places to stay.  Once you know where you are going to stay, the trip seems to fall in place.   

https://www.i-escape.com/ : ABSOLUTELY DIE OVER THIS SITE.  It has never led me the wrong way.  I book the majority of my trips here.  In fact, I typically find the areas I want to stay in based on where they have suggested.

https://www.airbnb.com/  : I’ve stayed all over the world and Airbnb has never disappointed. You are able to really dive into the culture and city wherever you are staying.  Easiest way to pick neighborhoods to stay in is to pull up maps of cities and find areas that are closest to what you are interested in doing.  Typically those areas tend to be the most expensive, but if you can research the transit there and find neighborhoods that are easily accessible by public transportation it often is the best and most affordable option. The host will typically have recommendations of restaurants and things to do in neighborhood, so use them as often as you can.  I have found every host to be helpful and friendly.  Highly recommend for the following cities; Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, NYC, and Barcelona. 

https://www.mrandmrssmith.com/  :  Similar to iEscape.  Not as many places on this site, but always worth it to look.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/  : Always, Always, Always use this site to cross reference if the place you are looking to stay at is legitimate.  Websites tend to “oversell” a place and people's comments are typically spot on to the type of experience you will have. 

Happy Traveling!